The clientele from India seeking out this simple restaurant in a corner of Renmin Road South speaks well for the authenticity of TAJ Indian Restaurant.

"They find their way to this small place that's been open for seven years," said manager Sheikh Saiful Islam.

Chefs from northern and southern India cook with spices directly imported from their native land. Subtly spiced, tandoori chicken cooked in the traditional clay oven is one of TAJ's most popular dishes.

A traditional favorite, the tandoori chicken is marinated in yogurt, spices and herbs before baking, then served with red cucumbers. Fragrant chicken curry is also very popular.

For appetizers, try mendu vada, a South Indian appetizer deep-fried with onions and herbs, and paratha, the whole wheat flat bread fried in ghee.

TAJ Indian restaurant may be small, but its rich selection of dishes doesn't disappoint.

Editor: Donald